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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
11:17

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

Do delayed prescriptions reduce antibiotic use in respiratory tract infections? A systematic review

Bruce Arroll1, Tim Kenealy, Ngaire Kerse

  • 1Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. b.arroll@auckland.ac.nz

The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|January 2, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Delayed prescribing significantly reduces antibiotic use for respiratory infections. This strategy offers a practical approach to combat antibiotic resistance by lowering overall antibiotic consumption.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Growing concern over antibiotic resistance in common bacteria.
  • Delayed prescribing as a strategy to mitigate antibiotic overuse in respiratory tract infections.

Discussion:

  • Systematic review of controlled trials evaluating delayed prescriptions.
  • Analysis of five studies from the UK and New Zealand.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on delayed vs. immediate prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections.

Key Insights:

  • Delayed prescriptions consistently reduced antibiotic usage across included trials.
  • Relative risk for lower antibiotic usage ranged from 0.54 (common cold) to 0.25 (otitis media).
  • Effective reduction in antibiotic consumption for acute respiratory infections.

Outlook:

  • Delayed prescription is an effective method for reducing antibiotic consumption.
  • Prescription delay durations varied from 1 to 7 days.
  • Potential for broader implementation in managing respiratory infections.

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